At my very first doctor’s appointment, we learned something no expecting parent ever wants to hear: our baby had a cystic hygroma—a rare condition with an extremely low chance of survival. But even then, there was a sliver of hope. That hope carried us to Mercy’s Maternal Fetal Medicine team.

And then… a miracle.

Before our 20-week anatomy scan, we were told the cystic hygroma had disappeared on its own—something that rarely happens. But while that news lifted a weight, new concerns emerged. Luciana’s heart wasn’t developing as it should. A follow-up confirmed our fears.

We were referred to Dr. Goel at Mercy, who gave us a diagnosis: truncus arteriosus type II—a rare congenital heart defect where the aorta and pulmonary artery fail to separate during fetal development, forming one shared vessel.

Luciana was born on November 21, 2023. Just one week later, she had her first open-chest surgery. She faced every challenge with incredible strength and resilience. After two weeks in the NICU, we brought our girl home.

But her journey didn’t stop there. In January, Luciana began refusing bottles. She needed a nasogastric (NG) tube to gain enough weight for another heart surgery in February. Not long after, we were told she would need yet another open-chest procedure.

That second surgery was a success—and thankfully, it was her last to date. She now sees her cardiology team every six months, and each visit brings good news.

By October 2024, Luciana had graduated from her NG tube program and began eating and drinking on her own. Every milestone feels like a victory, every day a gift.

We’re endlessly grateful to the Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation. Their support, their community, and the love they pour into heart families like ours is unmatched. I started by volunteering at an event—just wanting to give back—but I walked away with so much more: connection, hope, and a community that truly understands.

Luciana is our miracle. And thanks to OHHF, we’re reminded every day that we’re not alone.